77 Chapter 75: A Day of Rest

I watched Shigure as she laid on the hospital bed in the infirmary. An IV drip was attached to her arm. It has been a full day since everyone, including the fleet from Azur Lane and the two Red Axis Sakura Empire Carriers, returned to base and the injured were promptly sent to the docks. Everyone else who participated in the operation should have been fully repaired and well rested by now. 

Shigure's injury was serious but fortunately, not life-threatening. Yes, she was cut open but the attack did not hit any of her vital organs or parts, let alone spill her insides. When she returned the other day, Akashi quickly operated on her. She checked thoroughly if there were any parts that were in dire condition or out of place before suturing the wound and carrying her to the docks for immediate treatment. Right now, according to Shiratsuyu, there is a huge scar just in between her breasts which extends to her belly button. A few more dips in the medical bath and it will be as though the injury was never there. The only reason she is unconscious and connected to an IV bag is because while the medical bath heals the wounds of shipgirls, it does not replace their bodily fluid. Although Ooyodo acted quickly and stopped the bleeding as best as she could, Shigure still lost a lot of blood. 

Shigure's nose twitched, probably because of the few strands of hair tickling it. I brushed them away from her face and pet her head. As I stroked her hair, Shigure shifted a little, pushing herself towards my hand and making a soft 'Mmmhh' sound. She is doing fine. That's good.

There was a knock on the day and I turned to see two heads peeking in,

"How is she?" (Shiratsuyu)

"Like a sleeping puppy."

"What is that supposed to mean?" (Harusame)

Shiratsuyu and Harusame walked in and stood by her bed,

"Oh. That's what you mean." (Harusame)

"She looks happy." (Shiratsuyu)

"She should wake up soon. Since we are here, Harusame, your patrol report?"

"Y-yes. Nothing unusual as usual. The waters were clear and empty." (Harusame)

"Anything from flight command?"

"No. The land-based planes didn't see any Abyssals or Sirens within the vicinity." (Harusame)

"That's good to hear."

Peaceful waters are always a good thing.

"Shiratsuyu, you doing okay?"

"Of course I am. I was the first to recover after all." (Shiratsuyu)

"Yeah yeah." 

I should go check on our guests now. I also need to finish that report and the daily report... Ugh...

"I have some work to do now. Can you watch her for me?"

"Sure. That's what we are came here for." (Shiratsuyu)

"Thank you. Let me know when she wakes up. Oh, but inform Akashi or Yuubari first."

"Roger." (Harusame)

"Got it~" (Shiratsuyu)

I left the infirmary and made my way to the guest dorms. Zuikaku and Shoukaku should be there.

I entered the dorm and walked up the stairs leading to the second level. Once I found the door with Zuikaku's name on it, I gave it a knock,

"Who is it?" (RA Zuikaku)

"It's me."

"J-just give me a minute." (RA Zuikaku)

I can some heavy footsteps, followed by something falling over,

"Ah. Geez!" (RA Zuikaku)

The door finally opened, revealing Zuikaku who is combing her hair with her fingers,

"Sup?" (RA Zuikaku)

"Yo. Everything alright? It sounded like something fell over."

"Everything's fine." (RA Zuikaku)

"Well, if you say so. Can I come in?"

"Sure." (RA Zuikaku)

Zuikaku stepped aside and held the door open. I can see her sister on the bed, fast asleep.

"Has she waken up before?"

Zuikaku gave a nod,

"During lunchtime. I fed her some porridge before she fell asleep again. Who knows when she will get her strength back." (RA Zuikaku)

"All that weird soul stuff definitely took a toll on her. What did Sheffield say?" 

"That expressionless Royal Navy ship in weird outfit? She said a repair ship will be coming to do a proper examination on Shoukaku-nee. But she didn't say when." (RA Zuikaku)

"I see." 

"Shouhou and the other little girl weren't able to heal her. I'm worried it might be a long term thing." (RA Zuikaku)

Shouhou, the small one with a Kansai accent, was thought to be dead during an earlier skirmish with Lexington and Sirens. She hid on a small nearby island before being picked up by Edinburgh and Sheffield, who were nearby to investigate an uptick in Siren activity in that area. They brought her back to their base and treated her. Shouhou was willing to help out because of what she picked up while in hiding. We held a meeting yesterday to exchange all sorts of information regarding this event, which lasted from afternoon till night. One topic of interest was why Shouhou, who supposedly sunk, was with them. Also, why did they arrive despite me not informing anyone, even HQ. I will definitely get scolded for that part...

According to Shouhou, while battling against Lexington, some Mass-produced Siren vessels and Executor-class Sirens under her command turned against her. They held her down as Lexington launched her planes and dropped bombs on her. The timing could not be any more perfect. Shouhou managed to escape their clutches and barely escaped with her life. While taking shelter on a nearby island, she picked up some radio chatter between Akagi and someone else. The two were discussing something about 'progress on the Sanctuary's conversion into a battlecruiser' and how they 'underestimated Lexington's firepower and what a waste of a husk Shouhou would have been'. They also mentioned they already have three molds and 'a proper Aircraft Carrier would be more effective than a Light Carrier'. That was when Shoukaku and Zuikaku's names were brought up and how the 'upcoming storm and battle will provide the perfect cover-up'. 

After being rescued by Sheffield and Edinburgh, she informed Ao from what she heard. Ao then sent a small investigation fleet consisting of Sheffield, Edinburgh and Unicorn to recon the area, with Shouhou leading them to the what should have been the Sanctuary. That was the part they found the behemoth and inadvertently gave us some much-needed support. 

Although Zuikaku's intel on the ship's layout was mostly correct, it was not waterlogged... Then again, the plans may have changed during the time she discovered Akagi's plot and when we begin the mission. So Zuikaku's intel might have been slightly outdated. Just like how she didn't expect stronger versions of her ex-colleagues to be there to kill and stop us.

Most importantly, we still do not know what kind of data they collected and where did they transfer it to.

"But I believe she will be fine. She is my elder sister after all." (RA Zuikaku)

Zuikaku smiled as she looked at Shoukaku. I gave her a pat on the back,

"I'm sure she will recover in no time. If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask me or any of the girls here."

"Thanks. Looks like this time, we are in your debt." (RA Zuikaku)

"Don't sweat it. We are allies now."

"Even though we are members of the Red Axis?" (RA Zuikaku)

"Didn't Sheffield invite you to be part of Azur Lane?"

"She did, but I haven't agreed to anything yet. I still want to discuss it with Shoukaku-nee. But joining them is not a bad idea. Nagato-sama is there too. No wonder I haven't seen or heard from her for a long time now. And since we are up against our Seniors from my previous faction, I guess that makes me part of their team?" (RA Zuikaku)

"Why do you sound unsure about it?"

"Hmm... You know what, I'm in. But I still want to discuss this matter with Shoukaku-nee once she is better. If she is joining, then I will join officially. I will try to convince her somehow." (AL Zuikaku)

"Heh. That's good to hear. If it's you, you can do it."

I left the room and closed the door behind me.

"Looks like she has her answer." (???)

"Woah! Don't surprise me like that."

As soon as I left Zuikaku's room, standing right beside me was a maid with blonde hair rings. Her yellow eyes show no emotion, just like a doll. This is Sheffield, a Royal Navy maid. 

"My apologies." (AL Sheffield)

She placed both hands in front of her and bowed deeply.

 "You wanted to speak with Zuikaku?" 

"Yes. That was the initial plan, but that seems unnecessary now." (Al Sheffield)

"O...kay... I heard you guys are sending a Repair Ship over here to check on Shoukaku. Any idea when it will arrive?"

"<Ms > Vestal is due to arrive tomorrow morning. However, I do not know who her entourage would be." (AL Sheffield)

"I see. Everything okay?" 

"Are you referring to our accommodation?" (AL Sheffield)

"That too, but how is everything here in general." 

"The beds in our quarters are comfortable and the bath is spacious. The shipgirls here, though wary at first, are rather friendly." (AL Sheffield) 

"That's good."

"Though if you would allow me to say, the cleanliness of the base could use more work. I have seen some spots which clearly have not been touched for a long time. There is a better way to store and categorised both your resources and equipment, rather than placing them in random storage spaces. I can give you a breakdown on what-" (AL Sheffield) 

"I'm going to stop you right there."

I can tell she is going to pinpoint every single little detail and it will definitely take a long time.

"I appreciate the advice but I figured it's best if you let me handle the upkeep of the base. This is my responsibility after all."

"Understood. Please pardon me for stepping out of line." (AL Sheffield)

Sheffield bowed again.

"It's alright. Where are the rest?"

"<Ms > Unicorn and Shouhou-san were playing with Zuihou-san, Shouhou-san and Ryuujou-san earlier in the entertainment room. I last saw Edinburgh with <Ms > Victorious at Mamiya-san's cafe." (AL Sheffield)

"Got it. See you later."

I left the dorm and made my way to the entertainment room. Along the way, I took in the sights of the girls frolicking around the base. 

"Suzuya! That's dangerous!" (Kumano)

"Nah. It's totes fine. I can even do a cart wheel up here." (Suzuya)

"At least put on some shorts. I can see your panties." (Kumano)

Where?

"Ahahahaha! Gotcha! Oof!" (Tokitsukaze)

I watched our resident cat jumped aside as Tokitsukaze dive into the grass.

"Tokitsukaze, stop terrorizing Tina-chan." (Amatsukaze)

"I'm not! I'm just playing with Tina-chan. Right~?" (Tokitsukaze)

"Meow~~" (Tina-chan)

"I think I understand. So they just need more experience." (Ryuuhou)

"Yep. They will get stronger in no time." (Hiryuu)

"You just became a carrier. No need to rush to be par with us. These things take time." (Souryuu)

"Woah! It's cold!" (Goya)

"I told you it's too cold for a swim in the sea today!" (Imuya)

"Last one to the baths needs to treat everyone milk!" (Iku)

"Ah! Iku is so unfair! You got a headstart!" (Ro-chan)

The submarine girls started sprinting from the beach towards the docks. Shioi waved at me as she ran. Of course, I waved back.

I opened the door to the entertainment room and got greeted with a whole lot of screaming.

"Oh 'ell no! I ain't letting ya!" (Ryuujou)

"Oi! Dun block it!" (AL Shouhou)

"Of course I'm gonna block it!" (Ryuujou)

The two carriers with Kansai accents are having an intense game of So*l Ca*iber while Unicorn and Shouhou watched.

"Yo." 

"Ah. Admiral. Welcome." (Shouhou)

"Having fun?"

"Yes. I kept losing though. I don't really know the controls." (AL Unicorn)

"Don't worry about it. We will play a game of Ma*iPa after this. It's a much simpler game than this." (Shouhou)

"What is like?" (AL Unicorn)

"It's something like a board game. The player who gets the most points and stars within a set amount of rounds win." (Shouhou)

"Sounds fun." (AL Unicorn)

"Yep. It's mainly luck-based with some minigames. But dat's what makes it fun." (Ryuujou)

"Ahhh! No no no! Argh!!" (AL Shouhou)

Ryuujou's character did a victory posed as the words 'win' appeared on the screen.

"Ya ten years too early ta even try beating me." (Ryuujou)

"Dammit!" (AL Shouhou)

"Alright alright. Let's change the game." (Shouhou)

"Grab da another two controllers will ya? On that shelf." (Ryuujou)

"Aye aye." (AL Shouhou)

"Zuihou isn't here?"

"She was playing with us. But she left a while ago." (Shouhou)

"Zuihou-chan looks a little down... I'm worried." (AL Unicorn)

The little Unicorn squeezed her plushie.

"Yeah. I noticed too. Maybe yesterday battle was weighing on her mind. But she will be fine. Right, Admiral?" (Shouhou)

She smiled at me. I can absolutely tell what she is thinking...

"Aren't you putting a little too much faith in me?"

"If it's Admiral, she will get back on her feet in no time." (SHouhou)

"Hm?" (AL Unicorn)

"Oh. It's nothing, Unicorn-chan. I will see you all later." 

"Ya going already?" (AL Shouhou)

"Yep. I have some things to do. Don't miss dinner, 'kay?"

Now then, where should I search first? Knowing her, she would either be in her room or my room. I will check my room first.